The House passed its version of the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on Sept. 10, 2025, authorizing $848B–$893B in defense spending. The vote was 231-196, mostly along party lines. breakingdefense.com/2025/09/hous...

An excellent profile of our colleague Nicolas Talbott. We're pleased to support ongoing litigation by trans servicemembers to continue to serve the country.

This Wednesday at 5:00 PM. Hit the link below and we'll see you there!

A remarkable statement by the Ranking Member on behalf of tends of thousands of servicemembers, DOD civilians, and dependents.

We're hosting Brian Levine to provide free training for the use of the Former Gov directory to the ONS community on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 5:00 PM. This tool will help you as you explore next steps in your career. RSVP here and we'll see you there! docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

Join our partners for a special legal info session on updating your DD-214 on Tuesday, Sep 16, 2025, 03:00 PM Eastern. us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

A great academic for those ready to live in Ohio bsky.app/profile/cmck...

Discouraging news and irresponsible policy that will end up harming all veterans who receive care through the VA. www.govexec.com/workforce/20...

Never forget

Job Alert, for those folks academically inclined bsky.app/profile/mesa...

Due to our efforts, the appalling memo is already new evidence in ongoing litigation.

Long term investments in base housing and quality of life are critical line items that should not be ignored.

Read our statement on this bigoted and cruel policy www.outinnationalsecurity.org/2025/08/19/s...

We will continue to fight this and other bigoted policy decisions every step of the way with our partners, our allies in Congress, and in the courts.

Public service is a responsibility in a democracy. The introduction of a bar to public service for one group of citizens is a threat to the integrity of public service and to the efficacy of our democracy. www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-...

Our CEO, @lfschleusener.bsky.social, is thrilled to be in Ottawa this week to work with @smsaideman.bsky.social, @carriealee.bsky.social, and others on the future of @cdsn.bsky.social, one of our favorite longtime partners.

ICYMI

A vulgar betrayal of the nation’s sacred commitment to its servicemembers and veterans. This reversal of policy targeting just one group is an act of extraordinary animus. bsky.app/profile/apne...

A remarkable dereliction of responsibilities to our nation's veterans and their families. www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/...

We remain deeply concerned about recent changes at the VA that threaten quality of and access to care for 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 vets and all who served. bsky.app/profile/pros...

Middle East studies faculty have long faced vile abuse, doxxing, violent threats, slander, online blacklists. Too often their institutions didn’t protect them. The extremists using those same methods now wield unrestrained state power. If institutions had stood up then maybe we wouldn’t be here now.

Great work by @militarydotcom.bsky.social ‘s @ktoropin.bsky.social “Having this code, as best I understand, was last used for discharging homosexuals during the Lavender Scare in the McCarthy era" www.military.com/daily-news/i...

Out in National Security and New America are pleased to honor the contributions of 30 LGBTQIA+ experts in U.S. national security and foreign policy. www.outinnationalsecurity.org/honor-roll/2...

To our beloved sister republic, and our enduring allies: Bonne fête nationale!

Some small good news to end the week: bsky.app/profile/equa...

Government is serious business for serious people

Our heart goes out to all our State Department colleagues who have dedicated their lives to the nation, only to be shown the back of the hand by the current administration. We are working meticulously to support 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ folks adversely affected by this ugly new policy www.ft.com/content/86f3...

Worth reading

This dismaying regulation change will continue to drive women out of the military, harming readiness, retention, and recruitment. taskandpurpose.com/news/army-15...

Happy Hump Day! Don't forget that you can cuddle a therapy dog this weekend. Sign up below!

Don't miss out on this opportunity! Deadline is August 1 irregularwarfare.org/articles/irr...

This is news you can use. bsky.app/profile/sama...

“For too long, the United States has postponed a reckoning with the corrosive ideas about race that have destroyed the lives and wasted the talents of millions of people who could have contributed to their country,” wrote Annette Gordon-Reed in a 2018 essay.

We sent out acceptance letters to the Class of 2025 this morning. We can’t wait for you to meet them!

Join ONS and the Brandywine Valley SPCA for a special event! The SPCA is bringing therapy dogs and dogs ready for adoption to Dacha Navy Yard location this Saturday, starting at 12:00 PM. RVSP below! docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

Our CEO, @lfschleusener.bsky.social joined @tenuredradical.bsky.social 's substack to discuss the trans ban and why service and citizenship are intertwined. We hope you'll take a moment to read it. clairepotter.substack.com/p/the-right-...

The long struggle for freedom and equality

All Americans should enjoy the full scope of employment non-discrimination law. bsky.app/profile/grub...

Mary Walker wore what she wanted, and this setback does not erase her accomplishments, but is another embarassing turn of events www.militarytimes.com/news/pentago...

A better world is worth fighting for bsky.app/profile/payo...

Free and fair societies should not fear public expression. bsky.app/profile/vond...

Yes!

Today, we celebrate Black Liberty, culture, and a community with remarkable enduring strength spanning centuries.

Get some bsky.app/profile/apsa...

American citizens should be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their gender identity. With tremendous gratitude to our partners in litigation. bsky.app/profile/aclu...

"At a time when the United States faces growing threats around the world, banning [trans people] from the All-Volunteer Force will make Americans less safe," said @lfschleusener.bsky.social, CEO of Out in National Security. abcnews.go.com/US/senate-de...

This is not good bsky.app/profile/kwil...

Happy 250th birthday to the United States Army. Now is a great time to buy @losthiskeysman.bsky.social ‘s graphic biography of its founding General and Quartermaster, Baron von Steuben, who helped win the Revolutionary War and had many boyfriends.